Is using a college application essay review service worth it?
I'm a rising senior and starting to work on my Common App essay. English isn't my strongest subject, and I'm kinda freaking out because I know how important this essay is for college apps.
I've seen a lot of essay review services online and a few of my classmates are planning to use them. Some of these services look really expensive though, and I'm not sure if they're actually helpful or just a waste of money. Is it worth it to pay for an essay review, or should I just ask my English teacher or a family friend to look it over?
If anyone has tried these services, did it really make a difference for your essay or confidence? Any recommendations (or places to stay away from) would be great to hear too.
I've seen a lot of essay review services online and a few of my classmates are planning to use them. Some of these services look really expensive though, and I'm not sure if they're actually helpful or just a waste of money. Is it worth it to pay for an essay review, or should I just ask my English teacher or a family friend to look it over?
If anyone has tried these services, did it really make a difference for your essay or confidence? Any recommendations (or places to stay away from) would be great to hear too.
6 months ago
•
33 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
It’s totally normal to feel anxious about your college essays, especially if writing isn’t your favorite subject. Essay review services can be helpful, but whether they're "worth it" really depends on what you need and your personal situation.
A professional review service can offer detailed, college-specific feedback, help you find your essay’s unique angle, and correct grammar or clarity issues. Some students find that getting expert advice helps them see their writing in a new way and gives them confidence that their essay is polished and effective.
Keep in mind, the most important thing is that your essay sounds like you. Too many edits (especially by people who don’t know you well) can make your essay lose authenticity or personality. Whichever route you take, try to stay true to your voice.
If you’re just looking for a sanity check, solid feedback on clarity, or reassurance that your essay answers the prompt, starting with a teacher or family friend makes sense. If you want in-depth feedback or feel totally lost, a review service could be a good investment—just make sure you feel comfortable with the cost and process.
A professional review service can offer detailed, college-specific feedback, help you find your essay’s unique angle, and correct grammar or clarity issues. Some students find that getting expert advice helps them see their writing in a new way and gives them confidence that their essay is polished and effective.
Keep in mind, the most important thing is that your essay sounds like you. Too many edits (especially by people who don’t know you well) can make your essay lose authenticity or personality. Whichever route you take, try to stay true to your voice.
If you’re just looking for a sanity check, solid feedback on clarity, or reassurance that your essay answers the prompt, starting with a teacher or family friend makes sense. If you want in-depth feedback or feel totally lost, a review service could be a good investment—just make sure you feel comfortable with the cost and process.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years